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What is Synthesis Essays (Examples)?

A synthesis essay is a very specific type of research paper, where you are asked to draw upon specific sources to support your thesis. These sources are generally ones that have been assigned as reading for a class or that relate to reading and lectures from your class. The synthesis referred to in the title is the ability to connect these sources to each other to support a unifying theme or idea in your paper.

There are two main types of synthesis essays: argumentative and explanatory. An explanatory synthesis essay helps the reader better understand an idea and is similar to an expository essay. An argumentative synthesis essay uses information gained from the various sources to support an argument. In your introduction, you will make it clear whether you are writing an explanatory or argumentative essay. This is usually done via your thesis statement, which provides a very brief explanation of the goal of your essay.

Because a synthesis draws upon your knowledge of sources, you can expect part of the body of your synthesis to focus on summarizing your sources. Depending on the nature of the essay, you may be summarizing the entire source or simply summarizing one or more of the ideas contained in the source.

In the body of your synthesis essay, you are also going to carry out the goals you outlined in your introduction. For an explanatory essay, you will develop the relationship between the sources and show how they work together to explain your topic. In an argumentative essay, you will focus more on developing the relationship between the ideas expressed in your sources and how, when put together, those ideas support your thesis statement.

The conclusion of your synthesis essay will restate your thesis and then highlight how you have supported that thesis. If you are still confused about the structure of a synthesis essay, we suggest looking through our free example essays for more guidance.

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Historical shifts and public space conceptions from pre-modern to contemporary eras

¶ … conception and function of public space change as historical shifts influence the delineation between public and personal rights and property. Boyer states that there is an underlying tension in the application of…

Paper Undergraduate

Comparative analysis of Olympic closing ceremonies aesthetics and audience engagement

How do the Closing Ceremonies in the Beijing 2008, the Athens 2004, and the Atlanta 1996 rate?

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Psychoanalytic and biological theories of why humans dream

For centuries, people have sought to explain not only what people dream about, but also why humans dream. In older times, dreams were used for prophecy. Later, they were used in the growing field of psychology.

Paper Undergraduate

Constructivist approaches to student engagement in history classrooms

Kaiser, C. (2010, February). Redrawing the boundaries: A constructivist approach to combating student apathy in the secondary history classroom. The History Teacher, 43(2), 223-232.

Thesis Doctorate

Reality shock and professional integration in newly graduated nurses

One of the biggest challenges for modern nursing is the challenge that newly graduated nurse’s face once they leave school and enter a full-time health care facility. Colloquially known as “reality shock,” this is the view that despite years of training, time in the clinical setting, and even prior experience, the stress of the new nurse is that they are unprepared for the pace, attitude, culture and expectations within their new career.

Research Paper Doctorate

Perspectives on testing and assessment instruments in schools

Activity #1: Discuss the pros and cons of testing from two perspectives: (1) as a test-taker and (2) as a test-giver

Paper Undergraduate

Brain drain of health professionals in Zimbabwe and its consequences

Brain Drain is described in the work of Lowell and Findlay (2001) as something that can occur "...if emigration of tertiary educated persons for permanent or long-stays abroad reaches significant levels and is not…

Philip Caputo's exploration of truth and deception in A Rumor of War

Lt. Caputo avoided a court-martial for allegedly murdering Vietnamese civilians when his lawyer managed to get the charges dropped. During this ordeal, Caputo said he learned about the wide gulf that divides the facts from the truth. Why did soldiers in Vietnam often find themselves in such untenable combat situations? Explain how the lies told by those in command translated into confusion on the ground.

Research Paper Doctorate

Nietzsche's critique of subjectivity and the will to power

Nietzsche often identified life itself with "will to power," that is, with an instinct for growth and durability. This concept provides yet another way of interpreting the ascetic ideal, since it is Nietzsche's…

Paper Doctorate

Structural components and organization of formal analytical reports

A key part to any formal analytical report is the introduction. Basically, it explains the purpose of the report and identifies the audience for whom the report is targeted. This is the reader's initial introduction to what you are presenting, and as such it should be concise, clear, and polished – in other words, you want to make a good impression in these opening paragraphs. This will spark your reader's interest in your report; it will also encourage your reader to maintain interest in what you have to say. A clearly written introduction also gives your reader a sense of your reliability, your credibility, and knowledge in the area you are addressing in the report. Therefore, taking the time to ensure that it is professional and well-written is well worth the effort.

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